Extend your stay in Buenos Aires

Discover why so many people fall in love with the 'Paris of the Southern Hemisphere'. Buenos Aires provides a seductive mix of stunning European architecture, old-world languor and elegant neighbourhoods where colonial buildings and outdoor markets can be found at every turn.

Brazil and Argentina

Day 1: UK to Rio de Janeiro

Depart London on your scheduled flight to Rio de Janeiro International Airport via Sao Paulo.

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro

On arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and relax.

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro

Spend the morning on a half day tour of the city including a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain, a natural peak situated on a peninsula at the mouth of a bay, and one of Rio's most famous icons. Take a ride in a cable car to the 394 metre summit for breathtaking views over the surrounding beaches and bays including the well-known Copacabana Beach. Enjoy the rest of the day as free time to further explore this beautiful city and perhaps stop to try some 'acai', a local deliciously healthy fruit, at one of the city's thousands of juice bars found on every corner you turn.

Breakfast

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro

This morning's tour takes you to Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca Forest, site of the magnificent Christ the Redeemer statue. Considered to be the largest art deco statue in the world, the impressive figure standing 30 metres tall and arms stretching 28 metres wide, is a symbol of Brazilian Christianity overlooking the city. The afternoon is at leisure, you may choose to take a stroll along Ipanema beach or explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

Breakfast

Day 5: Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu

The morning is free before you take your flight to the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls. We suggest you take a trip to Santa Teresa, a bohemian neighbourhood where the Portuguese Royal Family used to reside in the eighteen hundreds. On arrival in Iguazu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend the night.

Breakfast

Day 6: Iguazu Argentinian Side

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Iguazu National Park is home to incredible waterfalls with 275 jumps of water falling from an average height of 70 metres. On today's tour you will explore the routes of the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit and Devil's Throat. The Lower Circuit is a trail of just under one mile and allows you to get closer to some of the smaller waterfalls. From the Upper Circuit you will be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views and the top of the majestic falls. The infamous Devil's Throat is where the largest volume of water descends from Iguazu and from the catwalk here you will really be able to feel the intensity of the almighty thunder.

Breakfast

Day 7: Iguazu to Buenos Aires

This morning, cross back into Brazil to see this side of Iguazu National Park. Take in the amazing views of San Martin Island and three of the most impressive jumps of the falls before getting to a further viewpoint with a perfect view of the Devil's Throat just 150 metres away. In the afternoon you will transfer to the airport in order to catch your flight to Buenos Aires where you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Breakfast

Day 8: Buenos Aires

Today's morning tour of the city starts in the historic Plaza de Mayo, the site of the 1810 revolution and now a hub of political life. From here you will see the Casa Rosada government palace and its famous balcony where Eva Peron used to address the people. Later you will reach the picturesque and colourful neighbourhood of La Boca with its famous street 'Caminito' whose architecture reflects the European influence of the late 19th century. After this, head to the modern Palermo neighbourhood with its elegant residences, finally reaching the district of Recoleta, the most sophisticated neighbourhood in Buenos Aires. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure; perhaps see a Tango show which your guide will be able to organise for you at an additional cost.

Breakfast

Day 9: Buenos Aires

Enjoy a day at leisure to take in the city at your own pace. We recommend a visit to the Malba Museum to learn about Latin America arts or a drink at one of the vibrant bars in Plaza Serrano - ask for an 'alfajores', a soft delicate cookie filled with dulce de leche.

Breakfast

Day 10: Buenos Aires to the UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK via Sao Paulo.

Breakfast

Buenos Aires - Extension Starts

Day 11 - 12: Buenos Aires

Enjoy exploring this fascinating city at your leisure.

Breakfast

Day 13: Buenos Aires to the UK

Depart after breakfast for your return flight to the UK.

Breakfast

Your Meals

Breakfast will always be served at your accommodation each morning during the tour.

Lunch and Dinner, where included, will be served in local restaurants or at your accommodation.

Important Information

Visas

UK passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa prior to travel for either countries, this will be granted on arrival for stays of up to 90 days.

Insurance

You must obtain suitable travel insurance prior to departure. Mercury Direct is partnered with Holiday Extras which offer insurance at the following prices:

Age in Years

Up to 64

65 - 74

75 - 85

Up to 17 days cover

£39

£75

£129

For all persons 86 years and over, please contact us for insurance prices. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Direct will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

All flights are operated by Iberia Airlines and go via Madrid in both directions. Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage & hand luggage not exceeding 56cm x 45cm x 25cm in size. Flight times are for guidance only & subject to change.

Health and Vaccinations

We recommend that you consult your local GP for advice on vaccinations and travel health before your departure.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival and will be accompanied by a local guide throughout the tour, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real, known as BRL. The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso, known as ARS. However, US Dollars are also widely used throughout both countries. Cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks as well as your lunch and dinner on each day. Approximately £300-£400 per person should be sufficient for the tour.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UK

Arrive UK

Extension Price

Tour Price

Total Price

17 Jun 2018

29 Jun 2018

£249pp

£1859pp

£2108pp

09 Sep 2018

21 Sep 2018

£259pp

£1879pp

£2138pp

30 Sep 2018

12 Oct 2018

£259pp

£1949pp

£2208pp

11 Nov 2018

23 Nov 2018

£259pp

£1929pp

£2188pp

03 Feb 2019

15 Feb 2019

£269pp

£1949pp

£2218pp

24 Feb 2019

08 Mar 2019

£269pp

£1949pp

£2218pp

10 Mar 2019

22 Mar 2019

£269pp

£1929pp

£2198pp

31 Mar 2019

12 Apr 2019

£269pp

£1899pp

£2168pp

28 Apr 2019

10 May 2019

£269pp

£1899pp

£2168pp

12 May 2019

24 May 2019

£269pp

£1699pp

£1968pp

02 Jun 2019

14 Jun 2019

£269pp

£1849pp

£2118pp

23 Jun 2019

05 Jul 2019

£269pp

£1869pp

£2138pp

08 Sep 2019

20 Sep 2019

£299pp

£1899pp

£2198pp

29 Sep 2019

11 Oct 2019

£299pp

£1949pp

£2248pp

20 Oct 2019

01 Nov 2019

£299pp

£1949pp

£2248pp

10 Nov 2019

22 Nov 2019

£299pp

£1929pp

£2228pp

Travelling alone?

Unfortunately, we do not have any places with no single supplements on this tour. However, if you are happy to share with another passenger of the same gender, then let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to find you a travelling partner. Alternatively, please ask about our single supplement prices in order to book your own twin room

Private Tours

If the group departure dates are not suitable for you and you would prefer a more personal and flexible experience then you can choose to book a private guide for your tour at a reasonable supplement.

Hotels at Rio and Buenos Aires Were of a good quality ,but the hotel rooms at the falls were below standard

Overall satisfaction

7.5

Value for money

7.5

Customer rating:7.5/10

James Saddington26th Jan 2017

Rio hotel - Nice hotel in a good location with easy access to Copacabana beach. Good selection at the breakfast buffet. Only downside was the service at the bar on the 19th floor, very slow.

Igauca hotel - Once again a nice hotel, the basic rooms were a little dated but were clean. Leaky taps and poor air conditioning could be improved.

Buenos Aires hotel - Very nice hotel, more modern than the previous two and in a good location.

Overall satisfaction

7.5

Value for money

7.5

Customer rating:8.8/10

Ian Booker16th Oct 2016

This is a terrific hotel nothing too much trouble for the staff excellent food and drink clean in every way we enjoyed every minute of our stay here. Having read some of the comments about this hotel on trip adviser I was a bit apprehensive but I was very pleasantly surprised and would advise people to ignore the negative comments and judge for themselves.

Overall satisfaction

7.5

Value for money

10

Customer rating:10/10

Darren And Stacey Sidwell10th Oct 2016

Very good tour, overall very satisfied. All the tour guides have been excellent and very helpful!

Overall satisfaction

10

Value for money

10

Customer rating:8.8/10

Maureen Hawkins10th Oct 2016

An excellent, good value tour.

Overall satisfaction

10

Value for money

7.5

Customer rating:8.8/10

Hardeep Dosanjh9th Jun 2016

Excellent tour guide, very informative. Brilliant when needed help.

Overall satisfaction

10

Value for money

7.5

Customer rating:7.5/10

Catherine Yates31st May 2016

We had a good holiday thanks.

Overall satisfaction

7.5

Value for money

7.5

Customer rating:6.3/10

Steven West20th Oct 2015

BRAZIL guide (Sonia) was simply excellent, possibly tour guide we have ever had. Her knowledge, caring personality and good humour made the Brazil experience perfect.
IGUACO FALLS guide, Carlos, was very efficient and informative, exactly as we expected.
BUENOS AIRES guide, Marcela, was very efficient and informative, exactly as we expected.
URUGUAY guide - we didn't have a fixed guide but they were all ok.

Hotel Windsor Leme (Brazil) very good exactly to the standard we expected. Good location. Fantastic breakfast. Genuine 4*.

Hotel San Martin (Iguaco Falls) very poor rooms, the bathroom felt unhygienic as sanitary ware was extremely worn and tiling grout around shower and bath and floor was very mouldy. Common areas had been refurbished and were pleasant. Breakfast was basic and staff were not friendly or helpful. Cannot possibly be a 4* hotel.

Hotel Kenton Place (Buenos Aires) exactly as we expected, good location, rooms very comfortable but breakfast was very basic. On day we left early for Montevideo we were only provided with a cup of coffee and some exceedingly small jam tarts. Not breakfast which we had paid for and were going on the hydrofoil journey for 2 hours. 4* accommodation only.

Hotel NH Columbia (Uruguay) - rooms extremely basic and small. Once again bathroom area extremely old and in desperate need of renovation. Common areas pleasant. Breakfast basic. Location was safe during the day but we were advised not to go out after dark as it was unsafe. On the one occasion we did venture out to find somewhere to eat we were swiftly advised by a local to return to the hotel. Also, while we were out all cafes and restaurants were closed by 6.00pm. Poor quality 4* hotel there must be better in Montevideo.

Hotels and Accommodation

Kenton Palace

Windsor Leme

Hotel San Martin

Kenton Palace

Other Extensions

Visit Montevideo - Uruguay

Tour route

London

Rio de Janeiro

Iguacu Falls

Buenos Aires

Montevideo

London

Lying across the Rio de La Plata, Montevideo is the capital city of Uruguay and one of the most under-visited capital cities in all of South America. Take a ferry across the river from Buenos Aires to spend three nights in this vibrant, chic and eclectic, beach-lined city with its rich culture and laid back way of life.

Travel Advice and Safety Abroad

For latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information click hereThis advice can change so please check regularly for updates.